Derek L. McPherson

Derek L. McPherson, 37, of Normal died at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in Normal because of a tragic automobile accident.

He was born on May 25, 1976, in Rockford, the son of Dr. Jack L. and Kathy L. Jackson McPherson.

He is survived by son Bailey McPherson and daughter Kendall McPherson, both at home; parents Dr. Jack and Kathy McPherson of Macomb; brother Brett (Sandy) McPherson and children, C.J., Cally and Lily, all of Genoa, Ill.; Derek’s best friend and life partner, April Bridges and her children, Summer and Keegan; and ex-wife Michelle Irish, her siblings, Ryle Irish, Chad Irish and Rachael Irish, and her mother, Ginger Nybakke.

He was preceded in death by nephew Mason McPherson and ex-father-in-law Chuck Irish.

Derek attended Coe College and graduated from SIU at Carbondale with a degree in Architecture in 1999. He owned and operated McPherson Architects in Normal. Derek enjoyed spiritual reading and was always looking for ways to make himself a better person.

Derek’s first and foremost priority was his children. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home in Bloomington. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be used for his children.